Imagine a vibrant, creamy pasta salad that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one bite! This Goat Cheese Orzo Pasta Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines tangy goat cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil in a symphony of flavors that will revolutionize your summer dining experience. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a quick, gourmet lunch, this dish promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium-sized pot with 4 cups of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, and chop the fresh basil leaves.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta, crumbled goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and chopped basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves.
Tips
- Always cook orzo al dente to prevent a mushy texture—test it frequently while boiling.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and meld together.
- Use high-quality, fresh goat cheese for the most creamy and authentic flavor.
- For extra freshness, add the basil just before serving to maintain its bright green color and aromatic qualities.
- Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
